Beset by spin and the battle to win each news cycle, contemporary politics is mired in short-term thinking. Too little time is given to considering creative ways in which we could tackle key issues—a lagging education system, the destruction of our coastlines, Asia's economic ascendancy—in the decades ahead.

In this agenda-setting book, new federal parliamentarians Clare O'Neil and Tim Watts present a vision for six vital areas of public policy that will determine what life in Australia is like in 2040. They provide fresh insights into the role of government and individuals alike in shaping the future.

Optimistic and impassioned, analytical and ideas-driven, Two Futures starts the conversation that, at this critical juncture, the nation needs to have.

Clare O'Neil is the federal Labor member for the seat of Hotham, in Melbourne's south-east. She was Australia's youngest female mayor and has been a management consultant with McKinsey & Company. She studied public policy as a Fulbright Scholar at Harvard's Kennedy School.

Tim Watts is the federal Labor member for the seat of Gellibrand, in Melbourne's west. Prior to entering parliament he was a senior manager at Telstra. He has been a lawyer at Mallesons Stephen Jaques and studied at the London School of Economics.

'A must-read publication from two talented federal members concerned about a better and fairer future for Australia.' Steve Bracks

'A refreshing look at the big issues in the decades ahead.' Laura Tingle, Political Editor, Australian Financial Review

'An insightful contribution to the policy debate about the future of our country.' Catherine Livingstone, President, Business Council of Australia

'Provocative, clear-sighted and jargon-free.' Age/Sydney Morning Herald

'This book is a must-read for thinking Australians.' ANZ LitLovers

'A welcome, often ambitious and sobering book.' Daily Review